Akende Munalula is a Zambian actor, writer, producer, rapper and poet who has built an impressive international career in film and television.
Born in Lusaka, Zambia, he is best known for his appearances in films such as Boo 2! A Madea Halloween and Unexpected Guests, as well as television series including Counterpart and The Salon.
Early Life
Munalula was born and raised in Lusaka. His biological British father abandoned the family when Akende was only three months old, leaving his mother to raise him and his brothers on her own. His mother worked as a typist and played a central role in shaping his early life.
At the age of eight, he met his stepfather, a Welsh artist who taught art at the International School of Lusaka. This relationship had a strong influence on his development.
During this period, Munalula developed a love for reading through frequent visits to the library. His growing passion for literature later translated into an interest in writing, and he went on to win several English language awards while in high school.
He is married and has two children. Munalula currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California.
Career Journey
After completing high school, Munalula began his professional life in advertising, where he worked as a successful copywriter for more than a decade.
However, his creative ambitions soon led him into music, where he became a rapper and released two successful albums, including A.S.H. RISEN.
In 2012, he left Zambia and moved to Toronto, Canada, before later relocating to the United States to pursue acting professionally.
He enrolled at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre, where he studied drama and honed his craft. He graduated in 2014.
A year later, Munalula joined the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), marking an important milestone in his acting career.
In the same year, he wrote and starred in the short film City of Dreams, which premiered at the Action on Film Festival.
Following this breakthrough, he went on to appear in several short films, including Tear Jerker, The Incision, The Hitchhiker, Primers, Prayers of a Pessimist and Rayven Choi.
International Success
Munalula has since appeared in a number of international television productions and films. Among his most recognised roles was playing Calvin in Tyler Perry’s hit comedy horror film Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, which performed strongly at the box office.
He also featured in the television series Counterpart and the independent production The New 30, which later received Emmy Award recognition. In 2020, he appeared in the television series The Salon.
Giving Back to Zambia
Despite his international success, Munalula has maintained close ties with Zambia. In 2019, he returned home to attend the launch of the Filmmakers Guild of Zambia alongside Lawrence Thompson and officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
During the visit, he also conducted acting workshops for local performers and trained young Southern African directors in directing actors through the MultiChoice Talent Factory.
A Proud Zambian Talent
Akende Munalula’s journey from Lusaka to Hollywood is a story of resilience, creativity and determination. Through acting, writing, music and mentorship, he continues to raise Zambia’s profile on the global entertainment stage while inspiring a new generation of creatives back home.
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Picture: Akende Munalula
